England’s Jacob Bethell reveals Virat Kohli’s influence behind his match-winning knock against West Indies in 1st ODI

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In a game dominated by England’s sheer brilliance, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell emerged as the star attraction, playing a career-defining innings in the first ODI against West Indies at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Friday, May 30. Bethell, who has recently returned from his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), smashed a swashbuckling 82 off just 53 deliveries to lay the foundation for England’s massive total of 400/8. In response, the visitors crumbled to 162, handing England a commanding 238-run win to start the series on a high.

Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Bethell didn’t just talk about his knock – he revealed how his short IPL journey, particularly the experience of sharing the dressing room and crease with Virat Kohli, played a crucial role in shaping his approach.

“I was always going to be in the IPL after I signed that contract. I watched the boys do well from afar and really enjoyed it. Virat was great. He was happy to share lots of advice with me. I felt the energy when I went out to bat with Virat and that is something I will take into my game, that intensity,” Bethell told BBC.

He also praised RCB coach Andy Flower for his guidance during the IPL, calling the experience ‘invaluable’ for a youngster trying to break through in international cricket.

Bethell was snapped up by RCB for INR 2.6 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction and got a chance to open with Kohli in two matches. While his debut knock against Delhi Capitals was a brief cameo of 12 off 6 balls, he truly announced himself with a blistering 55 off 33 against Chennai Super Kings, stitching a 97-run opening partnership with Kohli.

Unfortunately for RCB, Bethell’s time in the tournament was cut short as he departed early to join England’s squad for the ODI series against West Indies. However, the confidence and exposure he gained in the IPL were on full display in his commanding innings at Edgbaston.

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Thanks to Bethell’s brilliance and solid contributions from the rest of batters, England piled on the runs and set an imposing target of 401. The West Indies, in reply, never looked settled and were bundled out inside 27 overs. The massive win not only gave England a 1-0 lead in the series but also offered a glimpse of the team’s exciting future, with young guns like Bethell stepping up in style.

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